Kawanishi H8K (Emily) Reconnaissance / Bomber Flying Boat (1942)
The Kawanishi H8K Emily was arguably the best flying boat of the Second World War, even when compared to the sterling Short Sunderland.
The shortcomings of the H6K type were highly known by now, so much so that the Kawanishi company set about to right the wrongs with the addition of the H6K5 to the production line. Unfortunately, the ship of the H6K had already sailed and the H8K was designed to a new need. The H8K was characterized but its stout fuselage and single vertical tail fin. The cockpit sat high just forward of the shoulder-mounted wing assembly housing 4 x Mitsubishi brand engines of 1,850 horsepower (H8K2). As a land-based operator the H8K could call upon smallish wheels while under wing pontoons served it well on water. Initially, the H8K was found to be a poor performer in the latter role but service trials eventually ironed out the defects and the legend of the H8K was made.
Flying boats are not a weapon that one thinks of when considering the best offensive options available in a war but the H8K changed that thinking. Defensive armament was initially 4 x 7.7mm machine guns and 2 x 20mm cannons. Later developments would give rise to a 4 x 7.7mm and 5 x 20mm cannon-armed derivative in the H8K2 model. Add to this the improved armor protection, impressive speed and range and the ability to deliver torpedoes or bombs and you have a recipe for a true winner. The H8K was particularly effective in the anti-submarine role when married to an ASW radar, finding and sinking several American submarines during the course of its combat life.
The H8K, like the H6K before it, also appeared in dedicated transport roles either for VIp staff or combat ready troops. In the troop carrying role, the H8K could support up to 64 soldiers. These types are characterized with the "L" in their designation. Only four of the aircraft survive to war's end. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Kawanishi H8K (Emily)
Reconnaissance / Bomber Flying Boat
Country of Origin: Imperial Japan
Manufacturer: Kawanishi - Imperial Japan
Initial Year of Service: 1942
Production: 167
Focus Model: Kawanishi H8K2 (Emily)
Crew: 10
Length: 92.29ft (28.13m)
Width: 124.67ft (38.00m)
Height: 30.02ft (9.15m)
Weight (Empty): 40,521lbs (18,380kg)
Weight (MTOW): 71,650lbs (32,500kg)
Powerplant: 4 x Mitsubishi Kasei 22 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engines developing 1,850hp each.
Maximum Speed: 290mph (467kmh; 252kts)
Maximum Range: 4,461miles (7,180km)
Service Ceiling: 28,740ft (8,760m; 5.4miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 1,624 feet per minute (495m/min)
Hardpoints: 2
Armament Suite:
1 x 20mm cannon in bow position
1 x 20mm cannon in dorsal position
1 x 20mm cannon in left blister position
1 x 20mm cannon in right blister position
1 x 7.7mm machine gun in beam position
1 x 7.7mm machine gun in beam position
1 x 7.7mm machine gun in beam position
1 x 7.7mm machien gun in beam position
Up to 4,409lbs (2,000kg) of external stores OR 2 x 1,764 (800kg) torpedoes
Variants:
H8K1 - Prototype
H8K1 (Navy Flying Boat Type 2, Model 11) - 14 produced; initial service models.
H8K1-L - Dedicated Transport Variant
H8K2 (Model 12) - Improved engine output through Mitsubishi Kasei 22 radials of 1,850 horsepower and defensive armament; ASW radar equipped; 120 produced.
H8K2-L "Seiku" (Model 32) - Dedicated Transport Variant based on the H8K1 model.
H6K3 - Two prototype experimental models based on the H8K2; featuring retractable wingtip floats and dorsal turret; blisters removed in favor of sliding gun hatches.
H8K4 (Model 23) - Two conversion models fitted with different powerplants.
Operators: Imperial Japan
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